National Stud Appoints New Stud General Manager
The National Stud in Newmarket has appointed David Somers to the post of Stud General Manager with effect from January 2007.
Andrew Parrish, Chairman of the National Stud, said "The National Stud is at a crucial stage in its development and it was essential to make absolutely the right appointment. We received a very encouraging number of high quality applicants for the position, from five different countries, and David's expertise, experience and vision appeared to make him the ideal candidate".
David Somers' career in the Thoroughbred industry commenced as soon as he left Agricultural College and became a student at the Irish National Stud. He remained there and was appointed first as Yard Manager and subsequently Stud Groom. From 1994 to 1998, during the southern hemisphere breeding season, he was also Stallion Man at Arrowfield Stud in Australia.
Following a brief period as Assistant Manager on the Kilboy Estate in Tipperary, he returned to the Irish National Stud in 2001 as Nomination Sales Manager. Two years later, he was appointed to the post of Stud Manager at Eliza Park Stud in Victoria, Australia, under Lee Fleming who is known to the National Stud as the owner of Desert Sun and former part-owner of Val Royal.
Mr Somers is looking forward to his new appointment. "I see it as a fantastic opportunity" he said. "The National Stud has a very special role to play in the British Thoroughbred Industry and I am excited at the prospect of being part of that and helping to develop it".
John Clarke, Chief Executive of the Irish National Stud, also feels that this is a wise appointment "David is an excellent horseman as well as a competent, efficient manager" he commented "I am sure that he will be a great asset to the Stud".
The Stud has also announced the appointment of Nigel Wright as Operations Manager. This will expand his responsibilities to encompass all site-related operations including the proposed Wavertree Training and Education Centre. He will also assume specific responsibility for the horses owned by the Stud's Owner Breeders' Clubs.
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